Manchester United prodigy Shea Lacey has signed a first professional contract with the club.
After celebrating her 17th birthday this weekend, Lacey has signed a contract with the club and has a solid reputation.
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The teenager has been dubbed by fans as ‘the Scouse Lionel Messi’, although he is yet to make his senior debut for Man United.
But he has looked formidable at under-18 level and could well be the next starlet to step up to first-team level.
Erik ten Hag promoted Lacey to first-team training this month while the Dutch coach has used the academy this season.
Kobbie Mainoo has quickly established himself as a key player at 18 while Alejandro Garnacho has become one of the first names on the team sheet this season.
Willy Kambwala started back-to-back Premier League matches for the first time this weekend while Omari Forson made his debut earlier this season.
Lacey has drawn comparisons to Manchester City ace Phil Foden and Messi for his style of play as a tricky left-footed starlet on the right wing.
He has also become a free-kick specialist and can play as both an attacking midfielder and a winger.
Born in Liverpool, Lacey has always been at United’s academy and his father is said to be keen for him to join due to their excellent facilities.
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And the youngster has looked a real gem while developing as he caught the eye largely for his performance against Newcastle for the Under-18s when he scored twice and had an assist during a 5-1 victory at the age of 16.
Players cannot sign a professional contract until they turn 17, which happened for Lacey on Sunday.
Shortly after signing a professional contract, Lacey said on social media: “Proud moment for me and my family signing my first professional contract at this club @ManUtd.”
He follows in the footsteps of Jaydan Kamason this season, who is also an academy talent to put pen to a professional deal for the first time.
Lacey has also impressed at international level and represented England at under-17 level where he made five appearances and scored twice.
United took the unusual step of making an announcement regarding Lacey’s contract as they admitted they do not make such deals public.
“Although the academy does not normally announce a player’s first professional contract, an exception has been made in this case to celebrate the success of the Emerging Talent program in creating opportunities for children across Greater Manchester to develop their talent “, indicates a press release from the club.
“The Academy’s Emerging Talent Program offers a range of projects in the community which ensure as many children as possible have the chance to engage with Manchester United, learn about how the academy works and create amazing memories playing this game.”
